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TechnoratiNorth Korea's military dominate as Kim Jong-Un declared Supreme Leader
North Korea’s politics look set to remain dominated by the military, judging by the massive memorial service for the late leader Kim Jong-Il in Pyongyang Thursday. Kim’s son, Jong-Un, was formally declared Supreme Leader, but speakers made it clear that the military’s privileged position will be maintained.
Praising Kim Jong-Il for contributing to "global peace and stability of the 21st century", ceremonial head of state Kim Yong-Nam declared Kim Jong-Un "the supreme leader of our party and army and people", who had inherited his late father's spirit, leadership, personality, morality and fortitude.
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The North would "transform the sorrow into strength and courage 1,000 times greater under the leadership of comrade Kim Jong-Un and will march firmly along the path of Songun taught by great leader Kim Jong-Il".
The Songun policy prioritises the welfare of the 1.2 million-strong armed forces - the world's fourth-largest military - over civilians.
Kim Jong-Gak, head of military administration, pledged the military's loyalty to the new leader, who has been named a general but has not served in the armed forces.
All troops "will become a wall to protect" him, he said.
Tens of thousands of people attended the ceremony on Kim Il-Sung square, named after Kim Jong-Un’s grandfather, the anti-Japanese resistance fighter who founded the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-Il.
Next to Kim Jong-Un on the balcony overlooking the square were:
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The ceremony ended with an artillery salute.
As a huge funeral took place on Wednesday, the ruling party's paper, Rodong Sinmun, praised Jong-Il's policy of launching satellites and acquiring nuclear arms.
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